Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
First-, Second-, and Third-Trimester Screening for Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Alejandro Rodriguez1, Methodius G Tuuli2, Anthony O Odibo1
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 2 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL 33606, USA.
Insights
Accurate prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction is crucial for improving perinatal outcomes. Combining biochemical markers with uterine artery Doppler screening shows promise but faces challenges in clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-fetal medicine
Background:
- Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction significantly contribute to perinatal mortality and morbidity.
- Early prediction is vital for targeted monitoring, intervention, and prevention strategies.
- Existing single measures of placental dysfunction have poor predictive ability for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive capability of various methods for preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
- To assess the effectiveness of predictive models combining different diagnostic tools.
- To determine the clinical applicability of promising screening approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of published studies on predictive models for preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
- Analysis of combined biochemical markers and placental function measurements.
- Evaluation of uterine artery Doppler screening in conjunction with other markers.
Main Results:
- Single measures of placental dysfunction demonstrate limited predictive power.
- Predictive models integrating analytes and placental assessments yield inconsistent results.
- Biochemical markers combined with uterine artery Doppler screening show potential but have demonstrated limited clinical applicability in published studies.
Conclusions:
- Accurate prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Multimodal predictive approaches, including biochemical markers and Doppler ultrasound, show promise but require further validation for widespread clinical use.
- Improved screening tools are needed to effectively manage and prevent these high-risk pregnancy complications.
Abstract:
Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are major contributors to perinatal mortality and morbidity. Accurate prediction is important for identifying those who require more intensive monitoring, permitting earlier recognition and intervention and targeting of potential preventive measures. Although measures of placental dysfunction have been associated with increased risk adverse pregnancy outcomes, the ability of any single measure to predict these outcomes is poor. Predictive models combining analytes and measurements of placental structure and blood flow have produced mixed results. Biochemical markers plus uterine artery Doppler screening throughout gestation show promise as screening tools. Published studies, however, suggest limited clinical applicability.
